Relational maintenance behaviors in the sibling relationship

Abstract

This study examined the use of relational maintenance behaviors (i.e., positivity, openness, assurances, networks, sharing tasks) in the sibling relationship, with a specific focus on the association with sibling liking. Participants were 257 individuals who reported on their relationship with a sibling. Results indicate that (a) the tasks relational maintenance behavior is used the most frequently and the openness relational maintenance behavior is used the least frequently; (b) the five relational maintenance behaviors are positively correlated with sibling liking; (c ) sibling liking is predicted by the positivity, networks, and tasks relational maintenance behaviors; and (d) female siblings use relational maintenance behaviors at a higher rate than male siblings.